Windsurfing and Surfing v Kitesurfing!
Windsurfing and kiting use the same Port and Starboard in a flat-water situation – right hand first has right of way. Windsurfers in wave and surfing rules are also exactly same in waves – those going out have right of way. What’s totally nuts, and a lot of people don’t realise, is that Kitesurfing ‘wave’ rules are the opposite, yes opposite! The Kitesurfer coming in on a wave has right of way over the Kitesurfer going out! So when Kitesurfers and windsurfers mix in waves they have completely different set of rules! I speak from experience from when I was hit, full speed, by a Kitesurfer on a wave, so he thought he had right of way. He sailed straight into me as I was up to my knees off the plane heading out through a massive set in Manawa! It’s like saying drive on any side of the road – it’s mad but true!!
Once you have sailed in waves a few times, it does become a natural pattern and if you follow the wave etiquette, ‘most’ good sailors should encourage you to catch waves and keep clear of you when you’re trying to simply make it out the back.
© Simon Bornhoft Windwise
‘Accelerated Progress’ with windsurfing clinics, holidays and windsurfing adventures for all levels.
www.windwise.net – [email protected]
